Multnomah County vote carrying Metro levy

Metro received a wake up call in the May 21 Special Election. Although voters approved its levy to maintain parks and natural lands, the results were split between the counties. With most of the votes counted, Ballot Measure 26-152 was passing overwhelmingly in Multnomah County, but was being narrowly defeated in Washington and Clackamas counties.

That's a change from the two previous ballot measures that allowed Metro to buy most of the approximately 16,000 acres of property it owns. They passed in all three counties.

"I'm very happy that it passed in the region and look forward to working with those who did not agree with us," Metro Councilor Sam Chase, who represents portions of Portland and Multnomah County, said about the split results.

Washington County Commissioner Dick Shouten said he thought the measure would still benefit his county. He stopped by the campaign's election-night party in Southeast Portland to show his support for the measure.

"It's still good politics for elected officials in Washington County to support Metro's natural land policies. They benefit the entire region," Schouten said.

In unofficial returns, the measure passed with around 58 percent of the vote compared to 42 percent against it. The vote was about 139,000 in favor and around 119,000 against in late returns.

The passed in Multnomah County with 58 percent. But it only received 49 percent in Washington County and 48 percent in Clackamas County.

In 1995, voters in the region approved Ballot Measure 26-26 by 63 to 36 percent. It passed in all three counties. It received 67 percent in Multnomah County, 58 percent in Washington County and 60 percent in Clackamas County.

In 2006, voters in the region approved Ballot Measure 26-80 by 59 to 41 percent. It received 64 percent in Multnomah County, 55 percent in Washington County and 53 percent in Clackamas County.

The measure was designed to raise approximately $50 million over five years to maintain approximately 16,000 acres of natural lands and parks owned by Metro.

As of election day, two campaign committees in support of Ballot Measure 26-152 had raised more than $311,000 in cash and in-kind contributions. Restore Our Natural Lands reported raising more than $270,000. A separate committee funded primarily by the Boston-based Conservation Campaign had raised more than $61,000.

Opposition to Ballot Measure 26-152 was scarce. No statements opposing the measure were purchased in the Voter's Pamphlet. A number of mayors in the region asked Metro Council to delay the measure, but they put it on the ballot anyway.